Henry T. Pirok

Henry T. "Hank" Pirok, age 82 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, October 06, 2012, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL. He was born on Monday, June 02, 1930, in Chicago, IL, the son of Henry M and Mary A (nee Pezdek) Pirok. On Saturday, September 12, 1953, he married Eleanor F. Pirok (nee Thurnau) who survives. He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church, St. Jacob, IL; Madison County Farm Bureau; Central IL Mink Breeders Assoc; American Hereford Assoc; United Steel Workers of America, Local 3643, Alton, IL. Henry was born in Chicago, IL and graduated from Staunton Illinois High School 1948. Henry served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956 with duty in Germany. He returned home and farmed near Alhambra, raising mink and working at Lecelde Steel. In 1970 Henry and his wife moved and purchased a farm east of St. Jacob where he continued to raise Mink and registered Hereford Cattle. There he designed and built their home. In 1992 Henry retired from the Laclede Steel, Alton, IL. He invented and received a patent on Pirok\'s Big Bale Feeders, a round hay bale feeder for cattle.Henry was a fan of Frankie Yankovic and enjoyed going to his dances and listening to Polka music. He enjoyed playing Pinochle, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Mr and Mrs. Pirok enjoyed the Friday night Muny Band Concerts at Highland. Survivors include: Wife - Eleanor F. Pirok (nee Thurnau), Highland, IL Daughter - Kathleen A. (Lavern) Pingsterhaus, Carlyle, IL Daughter - Sharon L. (Steven) Frey, Pierron, IL Daughter - Marilyn M. (Bob) Drda, Highland, IL Daughter - Barbara J. (John) Ceney, Prince George, VA Grandchild - Shandra E. (fiance Joe Meier) Pingsterhaus, Carlyle, IL Grandchild - Sheilla M. Pingsterhaus, Carlyle, IL Grandchild - Sarah R. (John) Duval, Springfield, IL Grandchild - Aaron S.R. (Katie) Frey, Oneida, IL Grandchild - Kelsey J. (special friend Justin Louvier) Frey, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Kayla R. Frey, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Kristi L. (Nathan) McPherson, Clermont, FL Grandchild - Jason A. Drda, Westfield, IN Grandchild - Britney J. (special friend-Ian Sammler) Ceney, Prince George, VA Grandchild - Jessica J. Ceney, Prince George, VA Great Grandchild - Madison Rae McPherson, Clermont, FL Great Grandchild - Baby Frey (due March 2013) Sister - Irene Gorenz, Alhambra, IL Brother In-law - Harold (Laurine) Thurnau, Highland, IL Brother In-law - Warren (Betty) Thurnau, Saint Jacob, IL Sister In-law - Olive Nungesser, Highland, IL Brother In-law - Clifford (Betty) Thurnau, Edwardsville, IL Sister In-law - Joan (George) Willaredt, Edwardsville, IL Brother In-law - Robert (Dorothy) Thurnau, Trenton, IL Brother In-law - Dale Gerstenecker, Belleville, IL Nieces and Nephews - Many. He was preceded in death by: Father - Henry M. Pirok, Highland, IL Mother - Mary A. Pirok (nee Pezdek), Highland, IL Brother - Ralph Pirok Sister-in-law - Dorothy Pirok-Garwood Brother-in-law - John Gorenz Sister In-law - Jeanette (Louis) Taylor Sister In-law - Lyla Gerstenecker Brother In-law - Delmar Nungesser.

Henry T. Pirok

June 2, 1930 - October 6, 2012